Expectation of a promising future
Rafael Galhardo, a standout in the U-19 Super Cup, dreams of professional success as well
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Flamengo fans who attended the Eurofarma Under-19 Football Super Cup were thrilled with Rafael Galhardo's performances. The right-back, who also played as a midfielder, was the Flamengo team's top scorer in the competition with five goals, and was a standout performer for the team that finished second in the tournament after losing on penalties to Santos in the final.
With the captain's armband on his arm and a strong personality on the field, Galhardo won admirers not only in the stands but also within the club itself. Coach Rogério Lourenço praised the player and called him back into the professional squad as soon as he returned from Barueri with the youth team.
After being part of the six-time Brazilian champions last year, Rafael dreams of even greater heights. With Leonardo Moura's endorsement, he hopes to follow a similar path to the Flamengo captain at Gávea: with many titles and success. Still getting used to the affection of the fans, the number 42 gave an exclusive interview to Flamengo's official website, where he spoke about the recognition he's been receiving after his stellar performance in the competition.
Check out the full interview:
Flamengo's official website team: Galhardo, you were the standout performer at the Eurofarma Super Cup. What's your analysis of the competition?
Gallardo: It was a very good championship for me. When I was relegated to compete in the Super Cup, I was actually a little sad because I wanted to stay in the professional team, but everything ended up working out. It was a competition that the whole of Brazil could watch, where our group really came together and achieved our goal of reaching the final. We didn't win the title by a hair's breadth, but I believe everyone deserves congratulations.
Team: In every game, Paulo Henrique ended up choosing to play you in the middle. Do you feel comfortable playing that position?
Gallardo: I feel comfortable in this position, especially since some coaches had already talked to me about it. As I'm a very attacking full-back, I also have the characteristics to play in the middle, because of my passing ability. Coach Paulo Henrique talked to me about this from his first training session with the youth team, and thank God, I was able to perform well in that position.
Team: What is your relationship with Leonardo Moura like?
Gallardo: We joke around a lot. He even says he's my father (laughs). And that's exactly how it is. He always talks to me, gives me tips on positioning, on what I can do to improve my football, and there's no doubt that he's my biggest role model here.
Team: How important was it to have been Brazilian champion with Flamengo in 2009?
Gallardo: I was fortunate enough to win my sixth title with Flamengo last year. It was a wonderful feeling; a dream come true. I played three or four matches, and just being part of that group was spectacular. It's also an important addition to my resume, isn't it (laughs)?
Team: Do the more experienced players talk to you a lot, those promoted from the youth team?
Gallardo: The relationship with the group is great. The atmosphere here is great. The more experienced players welcome us, joke around, give us nicknames, and make everyone who arrives feel at home.
Team: How do you feel seeing many of your teammates from the junior team now in the professional ranks?
Gallardo: I'm very happy to see my teammates from the youth academy in the professional ranks today. We already have a great connection, a friendship off the field, and it's good to see that my friends have achieved their dream of being promoted to the first team.
Team: You also stood out in the Super Cup for your free kicks. Any particular inspiration?
Gallardo: Petkovic even joked with me, saying I learned from him. I practice set pieces a lot and will continue to do so to help Flamengo when I have new opportunities. Many matches these days are decided this way.
Team: What can fans expect from you as a professional?
Gallardo: Flamengo fans can expect an even better Galhardo in the professional ranks. I'll dedicate myself completely and always play to honor this jersey and these wonderful fans.
Team: Is your brother also a gambler? What is your relationship like? And does your family support you?
Gallardo: My brother, Marquinhos, is my biggest fan. He's always with me, calls me after games, and cheers me on. Our family has always been incredibly supportive, and that's crucial for any player's career.
Team: And the fan recognition. What's it like being stopped to take pictures, sign autographs... Have you gotten used to it?
Gallardo: I'm still getting used to it, but it's really nice to receive this affection from the fans. Both on Twitter, with the messages that came in during the competition, and on the street after I returned, it means so much. I'm happy for this recognition. Today I sign autographs, take photos, and always try to give back in the best way possible.
With the captain's armband on his arm and a strong personality on the field, Galhardo won admirers not only in the stands but also within the club itself. Coach Rogério Lourenço praised the player and called him back into the professional squad as soon as he returned from Barueri with the youth team.
After being part of the six-time Brazilian champions last year, Rafael dreams of even greater heights. With Leonardo Moura's endorsement, he hopes to follow a similar path to the Flamengo captain at Gávea: with many titles and success. Still getting used to the affection of the fans, the number 42 gave an exclusive interview to Flamengo's official website, where he spoke about the recognition he's been receiving after his stellar performance in the competition.
Check out the full interview:
Flamengo's official website team: Galhardo, you were the standout performer at the Eurofarma Super Cup. What's your analysis of the competition?
Gallardo: It was a very good championship for me. When I was relegated to compete in the Super Cup, I was actually a little sad because I wanted to stay in the professional team, but everything ended up working out. It was a competition that the whole of Brazil could watch, where our group really came together and achieved our goal of reaching the final. We didn't win the title by a hair's breadth, but I believe everyone deserves congratulations.
Team: In every game, Paulo Henrique ended up choosing to play you in the middle. Do you feel comfortable playing that position?
Gallardo: I feel comfortable in this position, especially since some coaches had already talked to me about it. As I'm a very attacking full-back, I also have the characteristics to play in the middle, because of my passing ability. Coach Paulo Henrique talked to me about this from his first training session with the youth team, and thank God, I was able to perform well in that position.
Team: What is your relationship with Leonardo Moura like?
Gallardo: We joke around a lot. He even says he's my father (laughs). And that's exactly how it is. He always talks to me, gives me tips on positioning, on what I can do to improve my football, and there's no doubt that he's my biggest role model here.
Team: How important was it to have been Brazilian champion with Flamengo in 2009?
Gallardo: I was fortunate enough to win my sixth title with Flamengo last year. It was a wonderful feeling; a dream come true. I played three or four matches, and just being part of that group was spectacular. It's also an important addition to my resume, isn't it (laughs)?
Team: Do the more experienced players talk to you a lot, those promoted from the youth team?
Gallardo: The relationship with the group is great. The atmosphere here is great. The more experienced players welcome us, joke around, give us nicknames, and make everyone who arrives feel at home.
Team: How do you feel seeing many of your teammates from the junior team now in the professional ranks?
Gallardo: I'm very happy to see my teammates from the youth academy in the professional ranks today. We already have a great connection, a friendship off the field, and it's good to see that my friends have achieved their dream of being promoted to the first team.
Team: You also stood out in the Super Cup for your free kicks. Any particular inspiration?
Gallardo: Petkovic even joked with me, saying I learned from him. I practice set pieces a lot and will continue to do so to help Flamengo when I have new opportunities. Many matches these days are decided this way.
Team: What can fans expect from you as a professional?
Gallardo: Flamengo fans can expect an even better Galhardo in the professional ranks. I'll dedicate myself completely and always play to honor this jersey and these wonderful fans.
Team: Is your brother also a gambler? What is your relationship like? And does your family support you?
Gallardo: My brother, Marquinhos, is my biggest fan. He's always with me, calls me after games, and cheers me on. Our family has always been incredibly supportive, and that's crucial for any player's career.
Team: And the fan recognition. What's it like being stopped to take pictures, sign autographs... Have you gotten used to it?
Gallardo: I'm still getting used to it, but it's really nice to receive this affection from the fans. Both on Twitter, with the messages that came in during the competition, and on the street after I returned, it means so much. I'm happy for this recognition. Today I sign autographs, take photos, and always try to give back in the best way possible.
Check out the photo gallery on Flamengo's Official Website
\Check out the audio gallery on Flamengo's Official Website
\Participate in the "Red-Black Dad is a Champion" promotion
\Participate in the "Be part of this team" promotion